What Books-A-Million is and how to use it
Books-A-Million is a bookstore chain with physical locations across the United States and an online store at booksamillion.com. You can browse and buy new books, used books, e-books, audiobooks, and gifts either in a store near you or through their website. The chain also operates a rewards program called Rewards Plus that tracks your purchases and offers discounts on future buys.
If you shop in person, you walk in, find what you want on the shelves, and pay at the register. If you shop online, you add items to your cart, enter your shipping address and payment information, and the store ships your order to you. Books-A-Million also offers in-store pickup for online orders at many locations, which means you can order on the website and collect your purchase within a few days without paying for shipping.
The store carries a mix of bestsellers, classics, textbooks, graphic novels, children's books, and local or independent titles depending on the location. Many stores also have a café where you can buy coffee and snacks while you browse.
Key Takeaways
- Books-A-Million operates both physical stores and an online store, so you can shop in person or have books shipped to your home.
- The Rewards Plus membership program tracks your spending and gives you discounts, though membership costs money and is optional.
- Online orders can be picked up in-store at many locations, which saves you shipping costs and gets your books faster.
- Return and exchange policies vary by location and purchase type, so check the store's website or ask in person before you buy.
- Books-A-Million carries new, used, and digital books, so you have options depending on your budget and reading format.
The Rewards Plus membership and how it saves you money
Rewards Plus is a paid membership program that costs a set annual fee. Members earn points on every purchase — both in-store and online — and can redeem those points for discounts on future orders. The program also gives members early access to sales, exclusive coupons, and sometimes bonus point events.
Whether Rewards Plus makes sense for you depends on how often you buy books and how much you spend. If you visit Books-A-Million several times a year, the points and discounts may add up to more than the membership fee. If you shop there once or twice a year, the membership probably costs more than you would save. You can check the current membership fee and point structure on the Books-A-Million website or ask a staff member in any store.
The program is optional — you can shop at Books-A-Million without joining and still get the regular prices shown in the store or online. Non-members do not earn points, but they also do not pay a membership fee.
Buying used books and how to find them
Many Books-A-Million locations carry used books, though the selection and availability vary by store. Used books are typically shelved in a separate section and are marked with a lower price than new copies of the same title. The condition of used books ranges from like-new to worn, and the price usually reflects the condition.
If you want to check whether a specific store has used books or a particular used title in stock, call the store directly or visit the website and use the store locator to find contact information. Some locations have larger used book sections than others, so it is worth asking before you make a trip.
Online, you can filter search results to show used books, and the website will tell you the condition and price of each copy. Used books ordered online are shipped the same way as new books, though shipping times may vary.
How to order online and what shipping costs
To order from booksamillion.com, you create an account (or log in if you already have one), search for the book you want, add it to your cart, and proceed to checkout. You enter your shipping address, choose a shipping method, and provide payment information. Books-A-Million accepts major credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal.
Shipping costs depend on your order total and the shipping method you choose. Standard shipping is slower and costs less; expedited shipping is faster and costs more. The website shows you the shipping cost before you complete your purchase, so you know the total price before you pay. Some orders may may have access to for free shipping if they meet a minimum purchase amount, though this offer changes and varies by promotion.
If you have a Rewards Plus membership, you may receive free or discounted shipping on some orders. Check your account on the website to see what shipping offers explore to you.
In-store pickup and how to use it
When you order online, you can choose in-store pickup instead of shipping to your home. This option is available at many (but not all) Books-A-Million locations. You select your preferred store during checkout, and the store will hold your order for you to pick up within a set number of days — usually three to seven days, depending on the store and how busy they are.
In-store pickup is free, which saves you the shipping cost. It also gets your books to you faster than waiting for mail delivery. When your order is ready, the store will send you an email or text message (depending on how you set up your account) letting you know you can come get it. You go to the store, give them your name or order number, and they hand you your package.
Not every store offers in-store pickup, and not every item can be picked up in-store (some special orders or out-of-stock items may need to be shipped). The website will tell you during checkout whether pickup is available for your order at your chosen location.
Returns, exchanges, and refunds
Books-A-Million allows returns and exchanges within a set time frame — usually 30 days from the date of purchase for in-store buys and 30 days from delivery for online orders. The book must be in resalable condition, which means it should not be damaged, marked up, or have a broken spine. You need your receipt to return or exchange a book in-store.
For online purchases, you can start a return through your account on the website or contact customer service. The store will give you a return shipping label or instructions on how to send the book back. Once the store receives and inspects your return, they will refund your money to your original payment method. Refunds usually take five to ten business days to appear in your account after the store processes the return.
Some items — like clearance books, damaged books, or books marked as final sale — may not be returnable. Check the product page or your receipt to see if there are any restrictions. If you are unsure whether you can return something, ask a staff member in-store or contact customer service through the website.
Finding your nearest store and store hours
Books-A-Million has locations in most states, but not everywhere. To find a store near you, go to booksamillion.com and use the store locator tool. Enter your city or zip code, and the website will show you the nearest locations, their addresses, phone numbers, and hours of operation.
Store hours vary by location. Some stores are open seven days a week; others have shorter hours on weekends or are closed on certain days. Hours also change seasonally and around holidays, so it is a good idea to check the website or call before you visit, especially if you are making a special trip.
Many stores also have a café, but café hours may differ from bookstore hours. If you are planning to grab coffee while you shop, ask about café hours when you call or check the website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return a book I bought online if I did not like it?
Yes, as long as the book is in resalable condition and you return it within 30 days of delivery. The book should not be damaged, written in, or have a broken spine. You can start the return process through your account on the website or contact customer service. The store will send you a return shipping label, and once they receive your book, they will refund your money.
Do I have to pay for shipping if I pick up my order in-store?
No, in-store pickup is free. You only pay for the books themselves. Your order will be ready within a few days, and the store will notify you when you can come get it. Not all locations offer in-store pickup, so check during checkout to see if it is available at your preferred store.
What is the difference between Rewards Plus and shopping without a membership?
Rewards Plus members pay an annual fee and earn points on every purchase that they can redeem for discounts. Non-members pay regular prices and do not earn points. Whether the membership pays for itself depends on how often you shop and how much you spend. You can shop at Books-A-Million without joining.
Can I buy e-books or audiobooks from Books-A-Million?
Yes, Books-A-Million sells e-books and audiobooks through their website. You can read e-books on your device using their app or a compatible e-reader, and you can listen to audiobooks through their app or other audiobook platforms. Prices and availability vary by title.
What should I do if I received a damaged book?
Contact customer service through the Books-A-Million website or call the store where you made your purchase. Explain the damage, and the store will either send you a replacement or refund your money. You may be asked to return the damaged book or provide photos of the damage before they process your claim.